Loaded question

The latest poll is a loaded one.

Ok my GT6 is not stock. Some fun bits on her to well make it more exciting.

BUT everything I've done is "reversible."

So I voted updated.

A.

Reversible updates, yes. The Mini has Suzuki seats because the originals are just horrible. My old pickup has disc brakes because I tow with it. Had I updated my Fiat 124 with better seats, etc, I may still have it. Originality is fine if all you want to do is go to shows and collect trophies. But if you want to drive, and have a car that is more enjoyable than a rental fleet Corolla by today's standards, you'll probably have to do some upgrades. Few older cars are truly as comfortable and responsive as we remember them.

Anything that you can put on, or off with wrenches is OK. If you need a torch or a welder, think before you do it to an older car. I'm with ddavidv on this one. If most people jumped into a "classic" car for the first time they would suddenly understand how much progress has been made , even to mundane econo-cars in areas like braking and handling.I love the looks of many old vehicles, but I like my cars to turn and stop like a modern.

I voted original because of things like Jaguar V8 engine swaps. I have updated a number of cars, 911s with turbo tie rods and the like, better shocks, but I still tend to like the way a classic sports car looks when it is cosmetically and visually original, especially with interiors and the like. I just passed on a nice Jaguar XJS, a super rare 6 cylinder coupe with a 5 speed, because someone pit aftermarket sports seats in it. I guess it is just a pet peeve. On the same note though I have not messed with points in years. Electronic ignition is simply better and with most systems you have no idea it has been changed unless you remove the distributor cap.

As a hot rodder at heart, updated is the only way for me.

While I appreciate originality, I don't have the obsessive/compulsive attention to detail that one needs to restore a car to that level.

Let's see - The spitsix has GM alternator, Isuzu Trooper starter, Electronic Ignition, Toyota brakes, Red Konis, Painless wiring system - I'm leaning toward updated!

Scott

I agree it's a loaded question. To me, it would depend on the rarity of the car, it's usage and the condition. I like to see original cars and I can appreciate modified cars, especially for drivability. If the car is to be driven regularly, like a daily, then update/modify it for the purpose. If the car is relatively common, then update for the type of driving it will see. If the car was obtained as all original (numbers matching type) then keep it that way. If it wasn't a complete car, not original or needing lots of work, then do what you want to with it.

When I got my Opel GT it was an all original everything there car. I restored it that way with the exception of the interior, I kept the original but recovered with my choice of colors and design. The next project is a Mk I Midget that came incomplete with some modernization done to it. I'm undoing those mods (paint, grill & trim) but will update the drivetrain and brakes from a newer Midget (1275 from a 72 RWA). As for the seats, it doesn't have any right now. It will depend on what I can get when the time comes. For driveabiltiy primarily. I want it to look like a MK I but drive like a newer 70's (MK IV?) model (with just enough of power and brake increase).

To some owners, original is as out of the factory. To others it is with original parts. And, still to others it is with many modern parts but keeping the original look. My Fiat is a pretty modern car out of the factory so I can keep it stock with the available new parts and still use it as a regular driver. So, stock is an easy option for me and how I use it. With a B or Midget, I would be very tempted to find a 5 speed and more power. I was lucky to find a damaged low mileage 79 Fiat to replace my interior and wheels. I voted for original but that could be challenged since I added some relays and removed some smog stuff. Cheers Ron

I've got our mid-'60s Volvos modified the way someone might have done them in the mid-'70s (no, they don't have 8-track players). The 122S has a '71 B20E engine converted from EFI to DCOEs, and the 1800S engine is conceptually a clone of an R-Sport Stage IV. Interiors are reupholstered in the original style. The 122 is painted a Volvo color used in '70-'71.

Orginal...With some exceptions...As mentioned by other posters: A bolt on kit or swap is good. Such as an ignition kit or carb kit. Even something that the Factory should have done, such as using a brass dodad instead of a plastic one. All of my cars are "orginal" like that.

When I did the twin cam swap on the Morgan I really didnt want to use a 5 speed. Instead I found a Lotus Elan gearbox that bolted right in with good ratios. It kept the feel of the orginal G/B...Duh, 'cause they are the same gearbox.

Obviously, Im into period mods such as a Weber set up or Mallory dual point dist.(moded with elec. ign.) but those can be undone.

Leo

I'm with 'updated within reason'. For me original sheet metal is totally a requirement for a 'classic' car. Even the most common, like my '1 of 60,000' 1964 Valiant deserves to have clean original trim and body parts.

Period mods are also pretty OK by me, as are things that have a vintage 'vibe' like Panasports.

In general I agree that if we have to start drilling, cutting or anything like that it's not really a classic so much as a hot rod.

Seems like most of us are on the same page here.

Nice sum up for me too Robert, I am very much the way you are with this stuff. I am in the process of trying to buy a Bentley 3 liter and for that car original is the only way to go, but when I get my next classic driver you can bet that if it has not already been updated to electronic ignition it will be.

Where would you place this car, TR7 with Grand National Engine, in the scheme of things? It looks stock but it's not a period correct or common modification. I'd call it hod rodding. Is a Triumph Spit-6 a hot rod or an upgrade?

I personally consider safety and reliability changes to be "allowed", within the spirit of classic car ownership. Suspension and engine mods, as it was "done in the day" are OK too. 19" wheels with 40 series tires are not OK.

my 2 cents worth.

mike

To me, it comes down to whether you're enhancing what the factory did, versus turning the car into something it was never intended to be. If you change the whole character of the car, there's not much point in owning that particular model.

For instance, the project Modern Midget is a highly modified car that retains everything that was appealing about the original - it just does everything better. Putting a SBC in an old Jag ruins the car, because the XK engine is a major part of its character.

If it's a rare classic, I wouldn't want to change anything.

When I go to hot rod shows I always seek out the unrestored survivor in the back. To me, they are the most under appreciated cars at a show. No shine and glamour, just all original as it came off the showroom floor those many years ago and taken care of to still be drivable today. They are often found with the original owner and they are interesting to chat with.

I guess Both is actually most correct for me. I have done several Jaguars, XKs and E Type..but the one I kept and "restored" was originally converted to SBC in 1957 as a racer. I kept it that way but a new motor,,done older style, 350 c..camel humps etc. Loved my XK120 stockers..but my Heretic Hot Rod suits me better.

Survivor cars that are not restored and all original are growing quite a bit in popularity. Pebble Beach has a survivor class as do most top concours events. That being said owning an all original sports car that is 20 years old or older is sometimes a bit stressful. My Alfa GTV 6 is completely original except for tires and other consumables, no bodywork ever, completely original paint and interior and is in about #2 condition and I am just a little stressed each time I drive it. I am not sure I would buy another all original car in as nice a condition as the car is as that it makes using the car a bit more stress inducing.